Rayleigh

Heard the news about Richie Hawkins, good luck wherever you ride and thanks for your efforts. A wise decision to find new pastures as I believe you did give it your best shot and in the end that is all true fans can ask of any rider but things were heading South not North.

Must admit I really enjoyed tonight. Lanham - A totally predictable total, its not fair to expect him to be an out and out No 1. Mellgren - Anther very solid night for the man whom nobody seemed to want this year, we got lucky. Hawkins - Sad to see a rider who clearly is trying so hard but can not seem to breakthough, its clear a new start is needed. "The Ghost" - Totally deserved his total, for a home debut and riding at 5 he just gave expectation for next season a big lift. Garrity - saw this coming a few weeks ago, paid 46 in the last three meetings whilst recovering from injury, who said the England production line was bare. Bunyan - Didnt happen tonight. Very very impressed with Roynon (always liked him when he was Rye), Bach is clearly getting fitter and I suspect he might have a big finish to the season, Aeario got better as the night wore on and Morris showed why I do not understand why promoters go for the Mudgways and Kiesaks, give these youngsters a chance. MOM Roynon and Garrity

Please no more rain as really looking forward to seeing Kasper "the Ghost"

Funding although useful it is not the only answer. As explained previously Football is the best example When did we last win the World Cup or European Championship? Take athletics they receive far more funding than Cycling or Rowing yet look at results. The answer is much more basic its called dedication. I seem to remember Eric Boocock (now there is a straight talking man)I recall he once said "there were 4 - 5 youngsters comimg through, all went our drinking, clubbing and doing what teenagers do, only one stayed in and re-invested his meagre earnings back into his bike. At the time of the interview this rider was the only one not retired his name was Andrew Tully (take a bow sir). Also look at the young Aussies. ofter barely 16, homesick and probably not got a potto %?&^ in. They come here sometimes stay in caravans or very basic accomodation, they eat, sleep live speedway, you see them in the pits at elite League matches watching Crump, Adams, Sullivan, Johnson and now Holder, Ward etc. Its not rocket science its called dedication.

So does that mean the team is now. Gjedde Nielson Mellgren r/r Hawkins Morley Bunyan So Nielson (self confessed over priced at 7), Hawkins (struggling at reserve) and r/r in the main body of the side and little Ben at No 6, I get the big picture for next season but I hold my breath for monday with Workington a visiting.

Kling 8 + 2 tonight at Swindon, I know he had a complete mare at Berwick (yes I do believe the first hand accounts) but there must of been a reason, still think there is something there to harness and a fellow Swede for Mellgren. I note the various comments regarding getting in an unknown foreigner but werent we after Sowka and P Aspregen both on 7 averages (dodged those landmines), getting foreigners isnt always unearthing another Sundstrom.

Shadders what is your view on what Rye need to do this season now the two northern tours have sort of completed. Personally at the beginning of the season I thought the team was not too bad with big improvement from Bunyan expected and some young exciting development with Garrity and Nelson, considering we have since gained Charlie Cheese and Mellgren (a big pleasent surpise), the team seems up in the air with Neath and Bowen injured, Hawkins still not doing enough Frampton packing out and Nelson never starting. A top six place is not mathamatically out of the question but there seems to need a stratagy.

Another wierd one, every time I here its wet at a home match, I think we will be caught out yet when it is wet away from home I think we will be caught out.

It wasnt meant as a dig at Neath, it is just for a few years our visits to Sheffield, Workington, Berwick, IOW and usually Kings Lynn we were so uncompetitive.

I konw that I wasnt there on the tour but who knows bike problems maybe. But overall I would like Ricky Kling to replace Frampton, his scores previously were more than accaptable and he would be No 2 to Charlie Cheese (although a straight replacment for a No 1 would be a stretch). afterall even the poor 3 points at Berwick were an improvment to previous heat leaders (Mr Big Stuff) there. He seems a genuine person and a bit of support would I am sure be repaid in buckets.

I agree we will wait a week to review the northern tours lets hope its a blip

So to recap Hawkins no wins from 14 rides from reserve McBain (hands up who predicted that heat win, a big thank you to him for that) had a better average that Frampton A grand total of one point from r/r Still I suppose the flight from Australia is due to land soon to save our season. I truly dont mind losing after all we have had Ronnie Russell in charge but it doesnt feel that all stops are being pulled out, I sincerely hope I am wrong though.

Fair point, and also no guest for Garrity unlike Newcastle tonight (for both Worralls). Two home matches in play offs = very good gate reciepts which makes the penny pinching decision some what baffling.

Hawkins 14 rides this weekend ZERO race wins, Rye Houses strength this year was who ever was at reserve would be too good, we need some points away quickly for a top 6 place, the goodwill is fast running out.

What a great night of speedway, With all the normal participants deserving credit (Holder and Crump right up there, Bomber on a track that allows various lines, brilliant but inconsistant performances from the other GB riders) but a special mention for Ales Dryml, hands up who thought he would score 15 and it wasnt even a gate and go track. Afterlast night and the GB challange result Belle Vue cant believe thier luck.

A big well done Ales, espcially if you recall his speedway history. Not maybe as exciting as others but inspirational if you just think about it for a few seconds

Very sad for Luke but Len has avoided a riot if Mellgren had left for Nelson, any chance Len providing us 6 numbers for the lottery on saturday.

The last couple of weeks Garrity seems to be breaking through, the extra rides have not hurt Worrell, Birks or Roynon